31 Best Herbs For Tinctures and How to Safely Make Them

Around my homestead, I love to see what I can forage or pull from the garden to make a tincture with. Having herbal medicine on hand, made right in my kitchen from the best herbs for tinctures, is satisfying and effective in treating ailments that may come up unexpectedly.

What is a Herbal Tincture?

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants or herbs. Various parts of the plant like the leaves, roots, berries, and even bark can be used.

To make a tincture, the plant parts are soaked in alcohol, also known as menstruum, to extract all the good stuff from the plant, turning it into a concentrated form.

Best Herbs for Tinctures on the Homestead

One of my goals on my homestead is to build a cabinet full of herbal remedies. Here’s a list of what I consider to be the best herbs for tinctures on the homestead. Looking through the list, you’ll see the benefits of having them in your home apothecary.

Best Herbs For Tinctures

Arnica- An Arnica Tincture is great to have on hand to heal wounds, reduce bruising and inflammation, and ease muscle aches.
Ashwagandha- Well known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while boosting neurotransmission.
Bidens Alba- A broad-spectrum antimicrobial, effective against infections, especially respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, and gastrointestinal ulcers. A poultice of the leaves can treat MRSA and other skin infections or nasty bug bites. Bidens Alba is also nutrient-dense with a similar nutrient profile to kale.
Chamomile- Fight stress and promote relaxation with Chamomile. A mild sedative used to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep.
Comfrey- Can be used topically for back pain, osteoarthritis, sprains, inflammation, fractures, ulcers, wounds, and gout.
Echinacea Tincture- Boosts the immune system and helps fight infections. Also helpful for anxiety and depression.
Elderberry Tincture- A powerhouse loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and nutrients. Known to boost the immune system, promote heart health, is antibacterial, antiviral, a diuretic, and reduces inflammation.

Feverfew- Used mostly for headaches and migraines but also psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Garlic- Another powerhouse known for being antioxidant, antiviral, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal.
Ginger- Great for mild stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
Goldenrod- Used as a diuretic, reduces inflammation, fights infections, lowers blood pressure, and is a decongestant and antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergies.
Holy Basil- Reduces the effect of stress on the body, reduces anxiety, lowers blood sugar, lowers cholesterol levels, is antibacterial and anti-viral, promotes wound healing, and reduces inflammation.
Lavender- Calms the nervous system, promotes sleep, reduces anxiety, and is antibacterial and anti-fungal.
Lemon Balm- Reduces stress and anxiety, promotes sleep, improves appetite, and eases indigestion.
Fresh Nettles- Supportive in wound healing, women’s, respiratory, liver, and prostate health.

My Favorite Homemade Tincture

I made a combination herbal extract using Elderberry, Golden Rod, and Bidens Alba a few years ago. Combining those three plants makes a herbal medicine covering so many bases. Anytime I need immune support or feel an illness coming on this combination tincture always gets me through.

Supplies Needed to Make a Tincture

Mason jar with a plastic lid or parchment paper to go under the metal lid (they get corroded sometimes when making tinctures)
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Organic Herbs
Alcohol
Funnel
Amber Bottles

How to Make Your Own Tinctures

Making tinctures for herbal medicine at home is so easy. The folk method and the standard method are the two methods used to make tinctures.

Folk Method of Making Herbal Tinctures

The folk method is the most simple way to make a tincture and the method I prefer. With this common method, you pack your best herbs for tinctures into a jar and cover them with alcohol. There are some general guidelines to follow when deciding how full to pack your jar with herbs. It all depends on what type of plant materials you are tincturing.

Using dried herbs

Use finely cut herbs. Fill a mason jar 1/2 to 3/4 with herbs. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar. Cover plants completely with the alcohol.

Using Dried Roots, Berries, or Bark

Finely chop up your plant parts. Fill your mason jar 1/4 to 1/3 with dried roots, bark, or berries. Be sure to use less plant material when using dried roots, bark, or berries, as they will double in size when rehydrated. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar, covering the plant material completely.

Using Fresh Herbs or Flowers

Finely chop your clean herbs to release juices and expose more surface area. Fill your mason jar 2/3 to 3/4 with your herbs. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar, covering the herbs completely.

Using Fresh Roots, Berries, or Bark

Finely chop your fresh plants to release juices and expose more surface area. Only fill your mason jar 1/3 to 1/2 with fresh roots, bark, or berries. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar, covering the plant material completely.

Wait for the Magic to Happen

Waiting is the hardest part. Once you have your jars packed with the best herbs for tinctures and alcohol poured to the top of the jar put a lid on the mason jar. Give it a good shake.

Your plant material should be able to move freely in the jar when you shake it. Put your tincture in a dark cabinet for 6-8 weeks. Shake the jar a few times a week, topping it off with alcohol if some has evaporated.

Straining and Bottling Your Tincture

After waiting and shaking your concoction for 6-8 weeks it’s time to strain it and bottle it. Use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to strain the plant material out, pouring the tincture into a clean jar. The best way to store tinctures is in a dark place in a cobalt or amber glass bottle.

What is the Shelf Life of an Alcohol-Based Tincture?

Keeping your tinctures in dark glass bottles in a dark place will give you the longest shelf life. Alcohol extracts, if stored correctly will last for years. Lastly, don’t forget to label your tinctures.

Standard Method of Making Herbal Tinctures

The Standard method is what herbalists use, as it is more precise than the folk method. With this method, you are measuring your herbs by weight and measuring your alcohol by volume.

General Guidelines for Using the Standard Method of Making a Tincture

Using Dried Herbs- 1 ounce of herb to 5 ounces of menstruum.
Using Fresh Herbs- 1 ounce of herb to 2 ounces of menstruum.

Type of Alcohol Needed to Make the Best Herbal Tinctures

To keep it simple here, most alcohol tinctures are made with Vodka. Brady is also popular but has more color and flavor than plain vodka. Be warned though, tinctures made from alcohol extracts have a bitter taste but a much longer shelf life.

Alcohol Strength Needed to Make the Best Herbal Tinctures

When making a tincture with dried herbs you’ll want to use an 80-90 proof vodka, which is 40-50% alcohol by volume. If you are using fresh herbs, you’ll want something stronger. The water content in the fresh herbs will dilute the alcohol content.

I recommend mixing half 80-proof vodka with half 190-proof grain alcohol, or Everclear for making a tincture with fresh herbs. Using a higher-proof alcohol will also help to extract the essential oils from the plant.

How to Make a Tincture Without Ethyl Alcohol

If using alcohol isn’t your thing, that’s ok. You can still make your own tinctures.

Apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin is a great option instead of alcohol. Either can be used instead of alcohol in any tincture recipe to make liquid herbal extracts.

The Best Herbs For Tinctures

Benzoin- Used for minor skin irritations and wounds to help heal and prevent infection.
Burdock Root- This root is an antioxidant powerhouse.
California Poppy Tincture- Well known to help with insomnia and anxiety.
Cannabis Tincture- A popular choice for anxiety, pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
Chaste Tree Tincture- Used to ease breast tenderness, PMS, uterine fibroid cysts, and to normalize estrogen and progesterone.
Ginkgo- Well known for memory support, vein and eye health, and an antioxidant.
Hops- Well known for its use in treating insomnia, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Iodine- Used as a disinfectant on wounds, treats and prevents fibrocystic breasts, and helps maintain thyroid health.

More of the Best Herbs for Tinctures

Lion’s Mane- Fights free radicals and dementia, reduces anxiety and depression, regenerates nerves, and protects against stomach ulcers.
Milk Thistle- Used for liver disorders, gall bladder problems, hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, and indigestion.
Propolis- Well known for treating cold sores and skin conditions. Propolis is an anti-inflammatory and has anti-oxidants.
Siberian Ginseng-Commonly used as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, regulates blood sugar, strengthens the immune system, enhances brain function, and reduces fatigue and inflammation.
St. John’s Wort – studied extensively as a treatment for mild-to-moderate depression, with fewer side effects than most other prescription antidepressants.
Turmeric- Known to treat inflammation, degenerative eye conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, muscle soreness after exercise, and supports kidney health.
Valerian Root- Eases insomnia, anxiety, PMS, menopause, depression, and headaches.
White Pine- Used to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Yarrow- Well known for its wound healing properties, ability to fight infections, alleviates digestive issues, and reduces anxiety and depression.

Can Any Planted Be Used to Make A Tincture?

No, some plants are toxic and are not the best herbs for tinctures. Please do your research. Also understand that even if a plant is considered safe to make a tincture with some have certain parts of a plant that are toxic.

Use of Herbal Tinctures

Using tinctures and other herbal remedies is a personal preference. They are a great way to boost your health and treat a wide variety of ailments. Before you add any herbal medicine or herbal supplements to your routine be sure to talk to your healthcare provider first. Especially if they are for internal use.

Benefits of Herbal Tinctures

Herbal tinctures are more effective than taking herbal supplements. Our bodies will absorb about 98% of a tincture compared to only 50% of herbal supplements. Tinctures do not have to pass through the gut. They are absorbed into the bloodstream, making them one of the most effective herbal remedies.

Risks of Taking Tinctures

While tinctures are generally safe, you do need to look at the risks. Do your research on the plants and herbs used, as some are toxic or could react with other medications you may take.

Certain health conditions may also be worsened by using the wrong herbal medicines or taking high doses. Pregnant women should be especially careful. Again, talk to your healthcare provider before taking anything.

Finding The Best Herbs for Tinctures

If growing all of the most popular herbs for making tinctures isn’t your thing, you can find the best herbs for tinctures at Mountain Rose Herbs. They also have a huge selection of alcohol tinctures and herbal remedies.

Learn More About the Best Herbs for Tinctures

You can find helpful information and in person classes on herbalism at The Florida School of Holistic Living. Alternatively, you can check out this thorough online course, The Home Apothecary, from The Honeystead. I also recommend reading Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar to start making your own tinctures and herbal remedies.

Happy Homestead & Tincture Making,

Jenny @ The GrahamStead Family Farm

Jenny and her family have been homesteading for over 20 years. They are currently farming on their 10 acre Florida farm, that they built from the ground up, 9 years ago, growing 100% of their meat and most of their vegetables. From their small herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, pastured poultry, sheep, and seasonal pigs, they are able to raise enough meat for the family while selling extra to the community. Striving to butcher at home, as much as possible, using the bits and pieces of their harvest by preserving food, making bone broth, and (Jenny’s favorite) tanning all kinds of hides!

Sources:

https://www.holisticlivingschool.org

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-herbs-supplements-avoid

https://healingharvesthomestead.com/home/2019/3/11/the-measurement-method-vs-the-folk-method-for-creating-herbal-tinctures-which-is-best

Homesteading Preserving the Harvest